Players Acquired: F Chris McCullough (draft), F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (draft), F Juan Vaulet (draft), F/C Andrea Bargnani (free agency), G Wayne Ellington (free agency), G Shane Larkin (free agency), F/C Willie Reed (free agency), F Thomas Robinson (free agency), G Donald Sloan (free agency), G/F Dahntay Jones (free agency), F Quincy Miller (trade)
Players Lost: G/F Alan Anderson (free agency), F Mirza Teletovic (free agency), F Mason Plumlee (trade), F Earl Clark (waived), G Darius Morris (waived), G Deron Williams (buyout)
The 2014-15 Nets were the definition of an “eh” team. Brooklyn finished 38-44 overall, good for eighth in the Eastern Conference. Surprisingly, the Nets pushed the Atlanta Hawks to six games before falling in the first round.
The team made some interesting moves in the offseason. It re-signed Thad Young and Brook Lopez to big contract extensions. Those moves made it look like the front office was prepared to win now.
But then the team traded Plumlee and acquired rookie McCullough and Hollis-Jefferson. What direction is this team headed in?
A few more observations from last season:
This is a rebuilding team, right?
This team has young players like McCullough, Hollis-Jefferson, Markel Brown and Ryan Boatright. The Nets are hoping that these players are part of their future. But then there are also win-now guys like Andrea Bargnani, Johnson, Young and Lopez.
It’s kind of a weird team as far as balance go, but given how poorly Brooklyn has handled its roster over the years, that’s expected.
Either way this team probably won’t crack the top-eight in a weak Eastern Conference.
The Wolves were 1-1 against the Nets last season, and that’s when they were at full strength with Ricky Rubio leading the way.
It wouldn’t be far off to say this Wolves team could sweep the Nets in 2015-16. The biggest threat for the Nets is Lopez. Rookie Karl-Anthony Towns will be tasked with guarding him. It will be important for Towns to stay out of foul trouble and not fall for pump fakes. Lopez isn’t incredibly strong, but he has elite post moves.
The Wolves play in Brooklyn on Dec. 20 and host the Nets on March 5.
For tickets, click here.
The Nets seem to be doing the right thing by getting younger and finally getting rid of Deron Williams. With that being said, the Nets are probably lottery bound this season. Unfortunately for Nets fans, Boston has Brooklyn’s next three first-round picks.
The trade to Boston will forever haunt this team.
